Pancreas

The pancreas is a lobed organ. It is part of the digestive system. The pancreas performs a number of important functions. The organ is involved in the release of pancreatic juice, which is necessary when digesting carbohydrate, protein and fatty foods. The pancreas, in addition, is responsible for the synthesis of the regulating metabolism of carbohydrates in the body of hormones( insulin and glucagon), as well as for the work of a number of other organs and systems. The presence of this organ, which is small in size, a person recalls, as a rule, at a reception with a gastroenterologist.

What causes the pancreas?

Among the most common etiological factors provoking pain syndrome, pancreatitis is the first place. This is an inflammatory process that occurs inside the body. Pancreatitis can have a chronic or acute course. Chronic character of the disease is acquired in the absence of timely treatment. In this case, the pancreas can completely collapse.

It should be noted that, in addition to pancreatitis, pain syndromes can occur in violation of the metabolic process, with excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking, with overeating, in particular, in the evening and at night. Painful sensations can appear with prolonged intake of hormonal drugs( corticosteroids, estrogens) and a number of antibiotics( some tetracyclines).Soreness also occurs against the background of autoimmune diseases accompanying diseases of the digestive system, in particular, the gall bladder and bile ducts, infections( viral, bacterial, helminthic), with age-related changes in the organ, blockage of the bile duct and cholelithiasis.

How does the pancreas hurt?

As observations show, most of the soreness occurs in the region of the stomach and gives to the left hypochondrium and back.

Acute pancreatitis is accompanied by a greater intensity and severity of pain than chronic. It has the character of sharp, cutting, often accompanied by vomiting. In some cases, a lethal outcome is possible against the background of an attack of acute pancreatitis. Death is caused by a painful shock. To prevent such consequences at the first manifestations of soreness, it is necessary to call an ambulance. As practice shows, pain in acute pancreatitis is not short-lived. Before the arrival of specialists, you can apply a cold compress to the stomach area. Typically, an attack occurs due to alcohol poisoning or overeating.

Chronic pancreatitis is accompanied by painful sensations, which have a aching, dull character. Soreness is localized in the same area as in the acute form of the disease. In this case, there are vomiting, weakness, diarrhea. This condition is most often the result of overeating. At the same time, any excessive supply of products becomes harmful in the end, which is caused by a violation of the normal secretion of digestive enzymes.

It should be noted that soreness in chronic pancreatitis occurs when diet is violated or when performing sudden movements. In addition, a number of cases have been identified, when attacks occur during physical fatigue and psychoemotional overstrain.

In addition to soreness, pancreatitis is manifested by a feeling of heaviness, bloating. When vomiting, relief, as a rule, does not occur.

The absence of timely treatment of the disease can cause severe complications in the form of necrosis( destruction of the organ), the formation of a cavity filled with pancreatic juice and dead cells, jaundice, ascites( accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity).

Treatment of pancreatitis is usually prescribed for a long time, but it makes it possible to prevent fatal consequences.